August 2013
President's Message August 2013
By Ed HaskellFor more than sixty years the Society has sponsored AstroAssembly, our annual technical and social event held near the First of October. Attendance typically varies between seventy five and one hundred twenty five. The majority of attendees are from the northeastern states and are not members of Skyscrapers. While we are happy to provide a stage for any good presentation it is true that most of the talks are given by professionals in one of the scientific or engineering disciplines. The programs are well received by those in attendance and frequently follow a theme for the meeting.
It is probable that the quality of the agenda is what attracts first time attendees, but it is clear that repeat attendees return for another reason as well. Many people return to renew friendships that have formed over the years between those who never have an opportunity at any other time to see each other. Recognizing this important “feature” of the meetings we intentionally make sure there is adequate time for socialization.
The report on the 2012 AstroAssembly may be found at http://www.theskyscrapers.org/astroassembly-2012 and gives a good idea of what the event is like. While we expect presentations given by professionals to be … well, professional, this report makes clear that talks by members can be every bit as polished and interesting. If you haven't been to an AstroAssembly then you have missed a really fine time.
AstroAssembly requires a good deal of effort to put on each year. All of that effort is provided by volunteers, nearly all of whom are Skyscrapers members. Sadly most members of Skyscrapers do not attend. There are at least two reasons why that is sad: those who do not attend miss a very good experience, and not attending reduces the Society's income. AstroAssembly is one of the larger contributors to the annual operating budget of the Society. Without that income, dues for a Regular Membership would have to increase by more than fifteen percent. So when a Member attends AstroAssembly not only is a good time had but the Society's economic situation is made better. For these reasons if none other I hope you will make attendance this year a high priority. You won't regret it, and you may make some new friends.
Thanks for all you do for Skyscrapers.
Finding Longitude Using Lunars
Frank ReedFinding Longitude by Observing the Moon by Frank Reed
Mr. Frank Reed of Reed Navigation, Jamestown RI, will describe the famous method of finding longitude by lunar distances, usually known for short as “lunars”. Lunars were widely used at sea in the early 19th century in the era before chronometers became inexpensive and common. By observing the position of the moon relative to the sun or stars, navigators used the moon as a great natural clock in the sky. The method of measuring lunar distances was championed by the Astronomer Royal in the 18th century as the Astronomical substitute to using chronometers. It was the belief at Greenwich that no mere mechanical contrivance could solve the most challenging practical Astronomy problem of the day. Thus the measurement of lunars competed against Mr. Harrison’s famed chronometers for King Charles’ prize.
Frank Reed earned his BA in Physics from Wesleyan University in 1984. He teaches various navigation courses and has developed the Centennia Historical Atlas. He has been the guest of Neil deGrasse Tyson’s StarTalkRadio.
A scheduled program by Jeff Dunn from Treworgy Planetarium was cancelled at the last minute due to Jeff and his family moving to Seattle.
Related Links
Observing Report: August 10
Perseids 2013 Observing Report
August 24
Observing Neptune in 2013
: By Jim HendricksonWhat do you see when you look at the Moon?
: By Francine Jackson
Perfect Prospects for Perennial Perseids
: By Dave Huestis
